The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has started an SAF Care Fund for severely disabled servicemen. Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen announced this in a blog post on Friday after visiting injured navy serviceman Jason Chee, who lost his legs and left arm in a horrific accident in December.

Mindef will build up this fund and members of the public can also contribute, wrote Dr Ng, who has personally contributed to the fund. The fund now has $1 million, including $950,000 donated by the Lee Foundation.

"The harsh reality is that risks come with every soldier's duties...This SAF Care fund will be over and above Mindef's existing compensation and welfare schemes," wrote Dr Ng.

Dr Ng said he was also glad to note that Mr Chee, who holds the rank of Military Expert 2, was "out of immediate danger" and had been transferred to a general ward. Mr Chee is celebrating his birthday on Saturday.